In keeping with his promise to assist Benue farmers to obtain loans to boost agriculture in the state, Governor Samuel Ortom today met with Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, Godwin Emefiele at the apex bank's headquarters, Abuja. The initiative is to be driven by the Anchor Borrowers' Programme of the CBN.

Governor Ortom thanked Mr Emefiele for the N28 billion loan CBN gave to Benue State for salaries of workers which the immediate past administration left unpaid as well as the agriculture value chain loans to farmers in the state being processed.

He said Benue has comparative advantage in the production of a wide range of crops including rice, sesame seeds, tomatoes, citrus, soya beans etc.

"Benue is the food basket of this great nation as our state has numerous products which give it comparative advantage over others and we as a Government are prepared to provide the right environment for our farmers to continue to take the lead not only in feeding the nation but also in exporting massive products to other parts of the world. We therefore need your support to make this a reality," he stated.

Governor Ortom told the CBN Governor that the Benue State Government has allocated N1 billion in the 2016 budget for the establishment of dams in different parts of the state to enhance dry season farming. He expressed the readiness of the State Government to encourage over 5,000 farmers to access the loans when the process is completed.

Responding, Mr Emefiele commended Governor Ortom for his vision in agriculture, assuring him that CBN will ensure that farmers of the state benefit from its Anchor Borrowers' Programme.

The CBN Governor said the loans had already been provided to about 70, 000 farmers in the country, stating that the Buhari administration has a target of creating 3 million jobs through agriculture.

Governor Ortom was accompanied on the visit by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Michael Gusa, Special Adviser on Special Duties, Arc. Joe Ikyaagba, Principal Private Secretary, Stephen Amase and other senior aides to the Governor.

Source http://www.viviangist.com/gov-samuel-ortom-meets-cbn-governor-over-loans-for-benue-farmers

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